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Basic Lighting Control Switch Types

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Replace lighting control switches with replacements of the same type. For example, a single pole decorator switch will directly replace a conventional single pole switch. You cannot replace a three way switch with a single pole switch. Replacement lighting control switches should also be of the same amperage and voltage ratings as those they replace. This information is listed on the face of both switches and receptacles. The same holds true with lighting control specialty switches; replace double-pole switches with double-pole dimmers, and three-way switches with three-way dimmers. There is a difference, however, with many lighting control specialty switches. They may come with wire leads and no screw terminal connections. In this case the wires are connected with wire nuts, just like pigtails. Lighting control switches with leads may look different from the switches they replace, but they are basically the same. When drawing your diagram for replacement, keep these things in mind. The black wire coming from the new switch is the same as a brass colored terminal connector on the old switch. A red wire, if present, represents another brass colored terminal. The white wire is the same as the silver terminal, and the green wire is the ground, just like the grounding screw terminal of the old switch.

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